The Natural and Cultural Heritage of the Ohrid Region

The Natural and Cultural Heritage of the Ohrid Region

From the World Heritage inscription: The Lake Ohrid region, a mixed World Heritage property covering 83,350 ha, was inscribed for its natural values in 1979 and for its cultural values a year later. Lake Ohrid is a superlative natural phenomenon, providing refuge for numerous endemic and relict freshwater species of flora and fauna dating from …

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Mistaken Point

Mistaken Point UNESCO World Heritage Site, Canada

From the World Heritage inscription: This fossil site is located at the south-eastern tip of the island of Newfoundland, in eastern Canada. It consists of a narrow, 17 km-long strip of rugged coastal cliffs. Of deep marine origin, these cliffs date to the Ediacaran Period (580-560 million years ago), representing the oldest known assemblages of …

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Van Nellefabriek

Van Nellefabriek UNESCO World Heritage Site, Netherlands

From the World Heritage inscription: Designed and built in the 1920s, the Van Nellefabriek demonstrates an extremely accomplished industrial architecture. It comprises a complex of buildings consisting of several factories aligned along the perspective of a large internal roadway, and close to several means of transport (canals, roads, railway lines). Supported on an internal structure …

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The Polar Bears of Cape Churchill

Every year, the polar bears of the western Hudson Bay region congregate in the area around Churchill, Manitoba as they wait for the sea ice to form. Given circulation of water in Hudson Bay, and the location of river systems which flow into Hudson Bay, the ice near Churchill is the first to freeze in …

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Everything You Need to Know About the Overseas Territories of France

Everything You Need to Know About the Overseas Territories of France

This article focuses on the Territories of France. It is part of a three-part series explaining the current day situation of the remnants of the colonial empires of the early 20th century, almost all of which are small islands scattered around the world. Other parts of the territories series examine the status of British territories and U.S. …

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You Just Choose – Musings on the Religions of Thailand and the NFL

Wat Hup Ta Khrot temple left an indelible mark on my psyche. Not only because it was the first major temple complex we visited in Thailand, but it also introduced me to Thai polytheism. The idea that different gods and even religions could be worshiped together, side by side in peace and harmony simultaneously baffled …

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15 Best Things to Do in Banff National Park

Moraine Lake Banff Things to Do

Banff National Park is the oldest and most popular national park in Canada. Located in the province of Alberta in the Canadian Rockies, it attracts millions of visitors every year due to its mountainous landscape, turquoise lakes, waterfalls, glaciers, and wildlife. Whether you are an adventure seeker looking for hikes or you love road trips …

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The History of Christmas Trees

The History of Christmas Trees

Podcast Transcript Perhaps the preeminent symbol of Christmas is the Christmas tree.  Christmas trees aren’t just a symbol of Christmas; the act of setting up a tree is an event, and the adornment of a tree often uses ornaments that have been passed down for generations.  But why is cutting down an evergreen tree and …

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Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

Podcast Transcript Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is one of the best-known theories in psychology.  First introduced in 1943, the theory posits that people have an innate desire to reach their maximum potential, but to achieve this goal, they must first have their basic needs met.  These needs can be both physical and psychological, but …

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